False Widow Spider
Scientific Name: Steatoda grossa
Order & Family: Araneae, Theridiidae
Size: Females typically range from 6-10 mm; males are smaller, ranging from 4-6 mm.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in dark, secluded areas such as basements, garages, garden sheds, and under rocks or logs.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; they eat various insects and other spiders by trapping them in tangled webs and injecting venom.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal and generally shy, spending most of their time in their web. They are known for their messy, three-dimensional webs.
Risks & Benefits
They provide a benefit by controlling pest populations. While their bite can be painful and cause minor swelling or malaise, they are generally not considered medically significant to healthy humans.
Identified on: 5/3/2026